Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has voiced strong concerns over the current state of Chelsea FC, expressing frustration with the team’s performances in recent games and especially following their defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday.
The Nigerian believes the club’s recent results highlight a deeper issue, insisting that the team has drifted away from its core identity.
According to him, there is a visible lack of commitment among some players, which is affecting overall performance levels.“Chelsea have lost it’s DNA, Palmer looks lost, players want to leave and there’s no direction for the club,” Obi said, pointing to what he sees as a worrying absence of leadership and clarity within the squad.
He further admitted that he struggles to recognize the team he once played for, emphasizing that the current setup lacks cohesion. “There’s no structure, no philosophy and style of play,” he added, underlining the disconnect between the club’s past standards and its present reality.
Squad Quality and Need for Change
Mikel Obi did not hold back in his assessment of the squad, arguing that repeating the same mistakes in terms of recruitment will only prolong the club’s struggles. He argued that several players do not meet the required level expected at a club of Chelsea’s stature.
“Things have to change in order for us to get to the level we once were. The players have to change and we have to strengthen the squad in the summer. Liam Delap has not been good. He is not good enough for Chelsea football club. He might be good for Ipswich Town because of their structure and how they play but he’s not good enough for Chelsea.”
John Obi Mikel
The former midfielder’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among sections of the fanbase who believe the club’s recruitment strategy has not aligned with its ambitions.
While Chelsea have invested heavily in new players, results on the pitch have failed to match expectations.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Nigeria also drew comparisons with his time at the club, recalling a dressing room built on clarity and collective responsibility, one that was built to win.
He stressed that during his era, players “understood their roles” and executed them effectively, which contributed to “sustained success.”
Departure from the Abramovich Blueprint
Reflecting on what may have triggered the club’s decline, Obi pointed to structural changes following the ownership transition from Roman Abramovich to Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly.
“The next thing is Blueco not wanting anyone who was there during the Abramovic era, those who represented the club and helped build it into what it is today, which is wrong. You need to continue that success. You need the people who know the ins and outs of the football club”.
John Obi Mikel
During his time at Chelsea, Mikel Obi made 372 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals and playing a key role in one of the club’s most successful periods.
His honours include two Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, four FA Cups, and multiple League Cup triumphs.
After leaving Stamford Bridge in 2017, he went on to feature for clubs including Middlesbrough FC, Stoke City FC, and Trabzonspor in Turkey before retiring in 2022 at the age of 35.
His latest remarks add to the mounting scrutiny surrounding Chelsea’s direction, as questions continue to be raised about leadership, recruitment, and long-term planning at the club.
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